Saturday, April 11, 2009

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar feels that the Indian team is studded with some talented players who are playing to the best of their ability because they are under no pressure.

Team India is back from New Zealand where they defeated the hosts convincingly in the one day international series and then won the Test series 1-0 to register its first Test series win in New Zealand in 41 years.

India’s most prolific and experienced batsman in both forms of the game, Sachin Tendulkar, feels that the coach and support staff has got a lot to do with the way the team has been performing over the last few months.

India won a Test series against Australia in November; followed that up by winning a Test and one day international series against England at home and then defeated Sri Lanka 4-1 in an away ODI series.

By doing this, India has become a serious contender for the number one spot in Tests and ODIs, giving Australia and South Africa competition at the top of the points table.

"A lot of credit has to go to coach Gary Kirsten who has allowed the natural instincts of players to flourish," Tendulkar was quoted as saying to a Mumbai tabloid, Mid-Day.

"A lot has got to do with what's going on in a player's mind and Gary has played a huge role there.”

The Indian team comprises of an experienced support staff that works in tandem with the players to increase their overall performance and Tendulkar was quick to shower praises on them as well.

"Along with Gary, the support staff - Venkatesh Prasad (bowling coach), Robin Singh (fielding coach), our physio Nitin Patel and Paddy Upton (mental conditioning coach). It's the huge effort from all of them that has created this environment."

Tendulkar, who is one of the most experienced players of the current game, praises his teammates saying, “We've got some seriously talented players.”

“The secret to this success is the players are playing their natural game. That can only happen if the atmosphere is good and the mind is free of any kind of pressure.”

“I just feel this is a nicely balanced side with a lot of talent. Without these aspects it wouldn't have happened. The guys are scoring big and the bowlers are striking as often as they possibly can."

The master blaster will now head to South Africa where he will be seen in action as skipper of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, which begins in a week.